Racist+Speech

__**Racist Speech**__
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http://swtcoi2012.wikispaces.com/Racist+Speech
 * What it means?**

Racist speech is any verbal way of putting down, minimizing, or marginalizing a person or group because of their race. It also contributes to the development of racist attitudes in those who use or hear the language. Even when racism is subtle, unintentional, or even unconscious, its effects are often damaging. On the news or just glancing through a newspaper, ethnic minorities are the central focus of crime features and are like so portrayed as the prime source of crime in our nation. Racial profiling is an apparent and problematic aspect of local media today as it assists to further biases and stereotypes in our culture.

Racism is present on individual and institutional levels. Individual racism includes the negative attitudes and beliefs held about //specific// races. Institutional racism includes any type of discrimination against certain //groups// of people through the use of biased laws or practices. This can occur in private business corporations, public government bodies, and universities.

Suggestions for avoiding racist speech:
 * How can we be sensitive to it?**
 * avoid using derogatory terms for members of a particular race
 * avoid basing your interactions with members of other races on stereotypes perpetuated by the media
 * avoid mentioning race when it's irrelevant, as in references to "the Asian writer"
 * avoid attributing individuals rather than to their actual sources: for example, institutionalized racism or general economic problems that affect everyone